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Research Article

Impact and Management of Invasive Plant Species in Champawat District, Western Himalayas: Community Awareness and Perceptions

Naveen Chandra

 Department Of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University Campus, Almora, India


Mahima Garkoti

Department Of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University Campus, Almora, Uttarakhand (India) – 263601, India


Zoya Shah

Department Of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University Campus, Almora, Uttarakhand (India) – 263601, India


Ravindra Kumar

Department Of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University Campus, Almora, Uttarakhand (India) – 263601, India


Bhawana Pandey

Department Of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University Campus, Almora, Uttarakhand (India) – 263601, India


Neha Joshi

Department Of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University Campus, Almora, Uttarakhand (India) – 263601, India


Dhani Arya

Department Of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University Campus, Almora, Uttarakhand (India) – 263601, India


Recieved on: 2025-02-13, Accepted on: 2025-03-23, Published on: 2025-02-03

Abstract

Biological invasion pose a significant threat to sustenance of biodiversity in Western Himalaya. Present study elucidates community awareness, perceptions, and management practices pertaining invasive species in Champawat district, Uttarakhand, through a survey of 268 respondents across different altitudinal zones. Key invasive species identified include Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, Ageratina adenophora, and Bidens pilosa, and their impacts on biodiversity loss, agricultural damage, and health concerns. Climate change, deforestation, and grazing were recognized as key spread factors. Community-driven management, though common manual removal controlled burning, and grazing management, remains inadequate without external support. Awareness campaigns and capacity-building workshops play a vital role in enhancing community participation and knowledge for effective management. The study emphasizes integrated management approaches involving ecological restoration, policy measures, and traditional knowledge for effective mitigation.

Keywords

Invasive species; Ecosystem services; Deforestation; Biodiversity loss; Community awareness